Milwaukee 17" Utility Cable Cutter

When you find yourself frequently working with larger gauge electrical cables, having the right tool can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of your work. I recently had the opportunity to test the Milwaukee 17" Utility Cable Cutter, model 48-22-4016, and I must say, it brings a mix of strengths and areas for improvement.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about this cable cutter is its solid construction. The blades are made of forged steel, which is designed to extend their life and provide durability. This is a crucial feature, especially when dealing with tough materials like copper and aluminum cables. The black oxide finish is another thoughtful addition, as it resists rust and helps maintain the tool's longevity.

One of the key features is the shearing blades that promise clean and straight cuts. In practice, this feature is particularly effective. I found that it cut through 6/2 NM-B cable like a hot knife through butter. The cuts were noticeably clean and required minimal effort, which is a significant improvement over using lineman pliers or other less specialized tools.

Ergonomics

The handles on this tool are another highlight. They are designed for both comfort and grip, making prolonged use far less strenuous than other options I've tried. The ergonomics allow for a good balance between leverage and portability. At 17 inches in length, the cutter offers enough leverage to make cutting through thick cables relatively easy without being cumbersome to carry around.

However, I did notice that the handles are hollow. While this reduces the overall weight of the tool, it also means that the handles are not entirely impervious to high resistance deformation. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it's something to be aware of if you frequently deal with cables at the upper end of this cutter's capacity.

Performance

Performance-wise, the Milwaukee 17" Utility Cable Cutter excels in cutting copper and aluminum cables up to 350 MCM. This makes it versatile enough for a wide range of electrical work. I tested it with various types of cables, including THHN/THWN-2 stranded CU/AL and found that it handled them with ease. The straight cuts provided by the shearing blades are a significant advantage, especially when you need precision in your work.

One of the key limitations is that this tool does not cut steel or ACSR. If your work involves these materials, you'll need to look for a different tool. But for standard electrical work involving copper and aluminum, this cutter is more than sufficient.

Ease of Use

Using the Milwaukee 17" Utility Cable Cutter is straightforward. The tool feels well-balanced in hand, and the cutting action is smooth. The lanyard hole is a thoughtful addition for those who prefer to tether their tools for safety and convenience. This feature makes the tool more versatile and ensures it’s always within reach when working at heights or in challenging environments.

However, not everything is perfect. There were moments when cutting thicker cables required more effort than expected. While the tool cuts cleanly, it sometimes struggles with the initial bite into the cable. This is where the hollow handles and the need for more robust grip strength become evident.

Durability

Durability is a strong suit for this cutter. The forged steel blades are built to last, and the overall construction feels robust. During my testing period, I noticed no significant wear and tear, even after repeated use. The black oxide finish also held up well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion.

Recommendations

Would I recommend the Milwaukee 17" Utility Cable Cutter? For most electricians and those involved in electrical work, the answer is yes. The tool offers clean cuts, is comfortable to use, and is built to last. It handles most copper and aluminum cables with ease, making it a valuable addition to your toolkit.

However, if your work frequently involves cutting steel or ACSR, this tool is not suitable. Additionally, if you need a tool that can handle very high resistance consistently, the hollow handles might be a concern.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 17" Utility Cable Cutter is a well-designed, reliable tool for cutting copper and aluminum cables. Its ergonomic design, clean cutting capability, and durability make it a solid choice for most electrical work. While it has some limitations, its strengths far outweigh them, making it a worthy investment for both professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts.